Approximately vs. Exactly: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Approximately" means close to or around a certain number or figure, not exact; "Exactly" means precise, accurate, without any deviation.
Key Differences
Approximately is used when the exact figure is unknown or unnecessary, indicating a rough estimate. Exactly denotes precision and accuracy, requiring the exact number or detail.
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Nov 26, 2023
In measurements, approximately suggests a range or an estimate that is close to the actual value. Exactly, on the other hand, implies that the measurement is precisely as stated.
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Nov 26, 2023
Approximately is often used in situations where a degree of flexibility or uncertainty is acceptable. Exactly is used when there is no room for error or deviation from the stated figure.
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Nov 26, 2023
In communication, approximately can indicate a lack of certainty or an allowance for variation. Exactly is used to affirm certainty, clarity, and lack of ambiguity.
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Nov 26, 2023
Approximately is practical in everyday scenarios where precision is not critical. Exactly is essential in contexts like scientific research or legal matters, where precision is paramount.
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Nov 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Contexts
Used where precision is not critical
Used where exactness is required
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Connotation
Suggests flexibility or uncertainty
Implies certainty and specificity
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Importance
Essential in everyday conversation
Crucial in scientific, legal, or technical contexts
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Approximately and Exactly Definitions
Approximately
Roughly or nearly an exact figure.
He arrived at approximately 3 PM.
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Exactly
Precisely accurate or correct.
She guessed the number exactly right.
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Approximately
Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact.
The distance is approximately five miles.
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Exactly
Used to emphasize the accuracy of a figure or description.
The clock struck twelve exactly.
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Approximately
An estimated amount or figure.
The project will cost approximately $200.
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Exactly
Used to confirm or agree with something said.
That's exactly what I was thinking!
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Exactly
No more and no less; precisely.
The recipe requires exactly two cups of sugar.
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Approximately
Very similar; closely resembling
Sketched an approximate likeness of the suspect.
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Oct 19, 2023
Exactly
In a manner that is accurate without any deviation.
He followed the instructions exactly.
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Nov 14, 2023
Approximately
To come close to; be nearly the same as
This meat substitute approximates the real thing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Exactly
(manner) Without approximation; precisely.
Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
The edge is not exactly straight.
He divided the coins exactly in half.
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Exactly
(focus) Precisely, used to provide emphasis.
He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
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Oct 19, 2023
Approximately
Imprecise but close to in quantity or amount.
In every box of matches there are approximately 40 matchsticks.
Per 100
G of chocolate there is approximately 11.6
G of saturated fat.
...approximately 60 beats per minute.
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Oct 19, 2023
Exactly
Signifies agreement or recognition.
So you're saying that we have only three days left? — Yes, exactly!
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Exactly
In an exact manner; precisely according to a rule, standard, or fact; accurately; strictly; correctly; nicely.
His enemies were pleased, for he had acted exactly as their interests required.
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Oct 19, 2023
Approximately
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct;
Lasted approximately an hour
In just about a minute
He's about 30 years old
I've had about all I can stand
We meet about once a month
Some forty people came
Weighs around a hundred pounds
Roughly $3,000
Holds 3 gallons, more or less
20 or so people were at the party
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Oct 19, 2023
Exactly
Indicating exactness or preciseness;
He was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do
It was just as he said--the jewel was gone
It has just enough salt
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Oct 19, 2023
Approximately
Close to a particular number or time but not exact.
There were approximately 100 people at the event.
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Nov 14, 2023
Approximately
Signifying something similar to, but not exactly the same.
The two colors were approximately the same.
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Nov 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can exactly be used in everyday conversation?
Yes, exactly is often used for emphasis or agreement in daily language.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is approximately the same as about?
Yes, approximately is similar in meaning to about or nearly.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are there synonyms for approximately?
Yes, synonyms include around, about, roughly, or nearly.
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Nov 26, 2023
Why is approximately used in statistics?
Because it indicates an estimate when exact figures are unavailable.
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Nov 26, 2023
When should I use exactly?
Use exactly when you need to express precision or absolute accuracy.
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Nov 26, 2023
How precise is approximately?
It suggests a close estimate but acknowledges some degree of variance.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is exactly only used in measurements?
No, it's used in various contexts where precision is emphasized.
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Nov 26, 2023
Does exactly mean the same as precisely?
Yes, exactly and precisely are often used interchangeably.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is approximately a formal term?
It's both formal and informal, depending on the context.
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Nov 26, 2023
What does approximately mean?
Approximately means close to a certain number or amount but not exact.
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Nov 26, 2023
Does exactly imply no error margin?
Yes, it implies complete accuracy without deviation.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is exactly a subjective term?
No, it's objective, indicating factual precision.
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Nov 26, 2023
How is approximately used in financial contexts?
For estimations or when exact figures are not yet known.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can exactly be used to confirm understanding?
Yes, it's often used to confirm or agree with something said.
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Nov 26, 2023
How does approximately affect decision-making?
It allows for a degree of flexibility in planning or analysis.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can exactly be used in time expressions?
Yes, like saying "at exactly 5 PM."
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Nov 26, 2023
Can approximately be used in legal documents?
It's less common as legal contexts often require precise terms.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is exactly used in scientific research?
Yes, it's crucial in contexts where precise data is needed.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Can approximately and exactly be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinctly different implications.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
Does approximately change based on context?
Its degree of variance might change, but its meaning as an estimate remains.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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